NHTSA complaint #11718924

Owner complaint summary

COMPONENT/SYSTEM FAILURE: Timing chain and timing chain tensioner/guide assembly failure. The timing chain has stretched prematurely, causing the vehicle to fail to start, loss of acceleration response, check engine light illumination, and audible rattling noise from the engine compartment. The failed components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pressed, creating a dangerous situation where the vehicle could not respond to driver input. This poses a serious safety risk in traffic, highway merging, or emergency evasive situations. Additionally, the failure to start leaves occupants stranded without warning. DEALER CONFIRMATION: The problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Infiniti dealer. The dealer determined the cause is timing chain stretching and has quoted $6,500 for repair, which includes timing chain, tensioners, and guides replacement. PRIOR WARNINGS: Approximately one week prior to complete failure, the vehicle began exhibiting a rattling noise from the engine. The check engine light illuminated. Shortly after, the vehicle would not start and would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pressed. KNOWN DEFECT: This is a documented defect. Infiniti Technical Service Bulletin ITB19-027a addresses timing chain-related diagnostic trouble codes on 2017-2024 QX60 vehicles with the VQ35DD engine. The timing chain tensioner and guide failure on VQ-series engines is a well-documented premature wear issue affecting vehicles well before expected service life. At 80,000 miles, this failure is premature and indicative of a design or manufacturing defect, not normal wear. REQUEST: I am requesting NHTSA investigate this safety defect and consider requiring a recall for affected Infiniti QX60 vehicles. Nissan/Infiniti corporate has declined goodwill assistance despite the existence of TSBs acknowledging the issue.